Dynamic Variation:

Things to Do With Kids in Houston

Endless attractions that appeal to adults and children alike

From boat tours on Buffalo Bayou to one of the top children’s museums in the U.S., Houston offers endless attractions that appeal to adults and children alike. Plan a visit and treat your family to one of the city's fun-filled, action-packed adventures that are as entertaining as they are educational. Check out our money saving experiences and packages for kids and adults alike!

Money-Saving Tips

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For families looking to stretch their vacation budget, Houston offers many money-saving perks.

Best Museums

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Home to Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, and 19 world-class museums, Houston’s Museum District is a cultural destination that welcomes millions of visitors every year. From there, drive 27 miles to the southeast to the Space Center Houston, one of the most visited attractions in Houston.

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, is Houston’s No. 1 attraction for international visitors and the first Smithsonian Affiliate in the…

Children's Museum of Houston

The Children’s Museum of Houston is all-new and now twice as big! Rated the No. 1 children's museum in the U.S. by Parents magazine, the Children's Museum is A Playground for Your…

The Health Museum

In the heart of the Houston museum district and a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, The Health Museum fosters wonder and curiosity about health, medical science and the human…

Theaters & Performing Arts

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Houston's theaters and performing arts scene pulsates with creativity, featuring a dynamic array of productions that cater to diverse tastes and cultural expressions.

Express Children's Theatre

Express Children’s Theatre, founded in 1991, is Houston’s oldest and largest multicultural performing arts and education organization dedicated to children and families. The…

Main Street Theater

Main Street Theater provides theater experiences for all ages. Founded in 1975, their MainStage produces professional, intimate, literary plays for adults, and the Theater for…

Great Outdoors

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In Houston, it's just as easy to spend a morning hiking and canoeing through the city’s lovely green belt as it is to visit an acclaimed science exhibit.

Houston Zoo

Serving as a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Houston, and neighbors with the world renown Texas Medical Center, the Houston Zoo is…

Buffalo Bayou

Buffalo Bayou, the 52-mile slow-moving waterway that was the site of Houston's founding in 1836, has become a destination for…

Discovery Green

Discovery Green, a 12-acre park located in downtown Houston, is designed as an engaging and active place with programming to serve…

Local Favorites

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The Mad Potter

Get in touch with your artistic side at this paint-your-own-pottery studio where kids and adults alike can try their hand at becoming the next modern-day Michelangelo.

The Galleria

The Little Galleria Play Area located on the second level of, this 2,000-square-foot play area features mini-versions of Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Williams Tower. Children are invited to play in the soft-foam area — that includes a grand entrance facade, climbers, slides, tunnels, a play wall, shoe keepers, a changing station, hand sanitizer stations, a stroller area and adult seating.

 

Check out a full list of family outings outside of Houston, or read on about a few of our favorites. 

Kemah Boardwalk

Overlooking Galveston Bay, and just 20 minutes from Downtown Houston, this coastal getaway features themed restaurants, retail shops, and amusements for the whole family. This 35-acre carnival-like atmosphere has a 36-foot carousel, a 65-foot Ferris wheel and rides like the Aviator, the Inverter and the Boardwalk Tower. Kids love the arcade and Midway games.

Moody Gardens

This tropical destination, less than an hour from Houston on Galveston Island,  is ideal for families and groups alike. Delve into the ocean's depths at the Aquarium Pyramid, explore the extraordinary world of science at Discovery Museum, experience the action of the IMAX® 3D, 4D and enjoy gulf breezes aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Hot or cold, rain or shine, Schlitterbahn – located on Galveston Island - has your family covered with climate-controlled rivers, slides and pools that will put you in a tropical mood! This award-winning park was recently featured on the Travel Channel and also provides free parking, tubes and lifejackets.